Practicing Awareness of Microaggressions

Practicing Awareness of Microaggressions

I experienced a microagression this week at work.  A coworker stated that I did a great job on the last group project.  He further stated that most women are bossy or mouthy; however, I was a pleasure to work with.  The microagression made me feel that I was being accepted as a woman who played by the rules of the boy's club.  It was almost like I was not worthy of being a team member because I am a woman.  I have learned this week that microagressions take many forms and it is easy to offend someone based on the exclusive language that is used.  Therefore, people should be careful about the way they speak to others.

Perspectives on Diversity and Culture

After talking to three friends, I received mixed definitions of culture.  Two friends believe that culture is based on ethnicity and race. As a result, people's culture is tied to their family and heritage.  The third friend believed that people are raised into a culture, and that people who are adopted or raised in different regions will adapt to the culture.  Therefore, culture is attained through socialization.

I also asked my friends about diversity.  Again, two of them believed that diversity stemmed from cultural and racial differences, and one stated that the United States was the melting pot of diversity.  One male friends' explanation of diversity was similar to the definition in the course material.  He believed that diversity included the differences between people based on different skills, physical characteristics, and culture.

Reviewing other people's definitions of culture and diversity helped me to understand how culture and diversity plays a role in society and education.  Diversity and culture are key elements of the early childhood learning environment.  Therefore, educators must develop cultural competency to work with a diverse group of children and families from different cultures.  I have also learned that people from the same culture are diverse.

My Family Culture

I would take my family photo album.  The photo album shows the family history and explains the family culture.  I would also take the family bible.  My great grandmother started keeping a birth history of family members in the bibles opening pages.  Also, the bible provides an understanding of the family’s dedication to religion.  Lastly, I would take a quilt that my great grandmother made.  The quilt has been expanded over the years with patches added by family members.  The quilt tells the story of my family’s history through slavery up to today.

If I could only have one item, I would keep the family bible.  The family bible is a record of the family history and religion will be important to future generations, especially during a disaster and hard times.  After carefully choosing the bible, I realize that religion is an important part of my family’s life and culture.

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